St. Mary's Old Church, Old Town

Article By: Dan Hill

a year ago

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Culture-Church Culture-Historical Building

The churchyard of St. Mary's Old Church in Old Town is the resting place for generations of Scillonian families - as well as sailors and passengers who perished in wrecks off the islands during stormy seas. This tranquil cemetery lies around the church, and stretches up the hill behind it, as well as to a large tree-covered field at the side. The original church at the site dated back to the 12th century - however the building was completely rebuilt during the 17th century. Following an extension in the middle of the 18th century, the church was abandoned and unused by the 19th century. It was Augustus Smith, Lord Proprietor of the Islands, who ordered that the church be restored to its former glory. Former British prime minister Harold Wilson is buried in the churchyard. His wife's ashes were scattered here following her death in 2018.

Submitted by: Dan Hill, a year ago